Moons of Darsalon Review (PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & PC)

After eight years of development, Moons of Darsalon is finally here, offering a fresh take on classic platforming. The game brings a mix of action, strategy, and puzzle-solving, where players must guide stranded astronauts to safety while navigating tricky terrain. With its colorful pixel art and creative-level design, it feels both nostalgic and new. But after all this time in development, does Moons of Darsalon truly deliver a fun and challenging experience for platformer fans? Let’s dive into this review and find out.

What Is a Platformer Game?

Simple as Usual

If you’re looking for a deep, heavy sci-fi story, Moons of Darsalon isn’t it. The game keeps its narrative simple, placing you in the role of a rescue operative tasked with saving stranded astronauts across alien moons. That’s the extent of the plot. There are no elaborate twists, character backstories, or lengthy cutscenes.

Most games in this genre tend to keep storytelling light, relying on gameplay and world design to create an engaging experience rather than cinematic narratives. Notably, Moons of Darsalon follows this tradition, opting for a simple but effective premise. Notably, what the game lacks in story makes up for it in gameplay. The world is filled with cartoonish humour, expressive animations, and goofy interactions that bring a unique charm to the experience. The game doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that lighthearted vibe makes even frustrating moments feel fun. 

More Than Just Jumping Around

From the very first level, it’s clear that Moons of Darsalon isn’t just another run-of-the-mill puzzle platformer. While players will be jumping, dodging, and shooting, the game introduces unique mechanics that make it stand out from the crowd.

One of the most significant differences is that you’re not alone. Instead of simply navigating the environment solo, players are tasked with leading a group of AI-controlled crew members. Now, these crew members are stranded across various moons and need to be rescued. Therefore, players must guide them to safety.

However, guiding them to safety isn’t as simple as it sounds. These AI-controlled characters follow voice commands. That means players will need to issue orders like “follow me,” “wait,” or “stop” while managing hazards, enemies, and tricky platforming sections.

To help navigate the dangerous alien world, players are given an arsenal of useful tools. The jetpack allows for vertical movement, helping players and their crew reach difficult areas. The laser gun is useful for taking down hostile creatures and clearing threats. A terrain destroyer helps clear obstacles, while the ground maker allows you to create new paths to guide your team to safety.

One of the best things about Moons of Darsalon is how each level feels like a puzzle. Blasting enemies and jumping over obstacles is part of the game, but there’s an additional strategic vibe that makes it much more engaging. Do you destroy a section of terrain to create a shortcut? Do you use the jetpack to lead your crew to a higher platform? Or do you take a more cautious approach, carefully guiding your crew step by step to avoid unnecessary risks? Ultimately, Moons of Darsalon constantly encourages experimentation, rewarding players who think outside the box. 

Majorly, Moons of Darsalon is all about rescuing stranded astronauts and guiding them to safety. Unlike traditional platformers, where you only worry about your survival, this indie game adds strategy to the gameplay. Players must ensure their AI-controlled crew makes it through the level in one piece. This means managing group movement, avoiding environmental hazards, and dealing with enemy threats, all while trying to keep your reckless companions in line.

Now, here is the challenge. The AI doesn’t always cooperate. Your rescuees will follow you but won’t stop moving unless specifically commanded. Even then, they often bounce around unpredictably. Sometimes, they launch themselves straight into danger. Early on in the game, this is a minor inconvenience. However, as levels grow more complex and require you to juggle multiple groups of rescuees, it becomes a logistical nightmare. Trying to get one group to stay put while carefully guiding another feels less like a rescue operation and more like dealing with some hyperactive space travelers.

Controlling your main character is simple but not always precise. Running and jumping feel smooth and responsive. Conversely, certain movements, like climbing onto ledges, can be inconsistent. Sometimes, it works effortlessly, while other times, it feels unresponsive, which can be frustrating in a strategy game that requires precise platforming. While these control issues don’t break the experience, they do add some unintended difficulty to an already challenging game. 

Keep Thinking

One of the standout features of Moons of Darsalon is how each level feels like a mini-puzzle. While the game is built on traditional platforming mechanics, it introduces a deeper level of strategic thinking that sets it apart. 

As players navigate through the levels, they’ll need to think outside the box and decide how to use their resources to help the crew. Players can choose to destroy the terrain to create a shortcut. Alternatively, players can use their jetpack to reach a higher platform. In some cases, the ground maker, a tool that allows you to create new paths, becomes a crucial piece of the puzzle. It allows players to reshape the environment to fit their needs.

Furthermore, the game isn’t about brute force; Moons of Darsalon requires thoughtful planning. Players must carefully position their AI companions, often directing them to wait or move precisely to avoid danger. The game does a great job of balancing action and strategy. The puzzles are often rewarding to figure out, making each level feel fulfilling once you manage to bring everyone to safety.

A Perfect Blend of Worlds

Moons of Darsalon truly shines in its visuals and sound design, masterfully blending retro vibes with modern touches. The game features 90s-style pixel art, reminiscent of the golden age of platformers, but it doesn’t stop there. The modern lighting effects and smooth animations take the classic art style to a new level. The pixel art is also detailed, giving each character and environment a unique personality. Furthermore, the occasional use of 3D assets, like spaceships or platforms, is well integrated, adding depth without clashing with the game’s pixel art aesthetic.

In addition, the world of Moons of Darsalon is an absolute treat for the eyes. Alien landscapes, space stations, and bizarre creatures are brought to life in a fun way. Whether you’re jumping across craters, dodging enemy fire, or guiding astronauts through dangerous canyons, the visuals keep you hooked. Each scene feels lively, making it fun to explore.

On the other hand, the soundtrack is another highlight. It draws heavily from chiptune beats, capturing the essence of retro games while blending in modern vibes. The catchy melodies and rhythmic tunes keep the energy high, especially during intense moments. The sound effects, particularly the beeps and bloops of your AI companions responding to commands, create an immersive adventure game atmosphere.

Fun and Challenging Levels

Moons of Darsalon starts all simple and fun, and that’s part of what makes it so rewarding. However, while the early levels gently introduce you to the mechanics, the game quickly ramps up in difficulty. Consequently, it forces players to rely on sharp reflexes, precise platforming, and, most importantly, strong command management to keep their AI crew alive.

As you progress, the stakes get higher. Enemies grow more aggressive. The terrain becomes more treacherous. Similarly, environmental hazards like falling rocks and laser traps increase in frequency. However, despite these challenges, the game never feels unfair. Instead, it rewards patience and skill, especially when players complete a particularly tricky level. 

That said, Moons of Darsalon can be a challenging experience, especially for newcomers and existing platformers. The learning curve is steep, particularly when you start trying out multiple mechanics at once. This includes using the jetpack, managing your crew’s movements, and navigating tricky environments. While a unique feature, the AI-controlled crew can also be a source of frustration. Sometimes, they fail to follow commands correctly, running into danger or getting stuck in the environment. This can lead to accidental deaths. While this adds to the chaos, it can also lead to trial-and-error frustration, especially in the more difficult levels.

Thankfully, the game’s level design is super incredible. Players can tackle each mission in different ways, allowing them to experiment with different strategies. If one approach doesn’t work, you can always try a new one. It ensures that each playthrough remains fresh and engaging.

Verdict

Moons of Darsalon is a creative and engaging take on classic platforming. It seamlessly blends action, strategy, and puzzle-solving into a unique experience. With its mix of retro charm and modern mechanics, this indie game stands out among other indie platformers.

There are some rough edges, particularly with AI behavior and platforming precision, which can lead to moments of frustration. However, these issues don’t overshadow the game’s strengths. For fans of retro platformers looking for something fun with a twist, Moons of Darsalon is a fun and rewarding adventure worth playing.